African Diaspora Forum excoriates Trump, demands apology

The African Diaspora Forum (ADF) has lambasted US President Donald Trump and demanded an apology for his recent disparaging and derogatory remarks he made about Africa, Haiti and El Salvador, in which he referred to them as ‘shithole countries’.

In a Thursday press release, the ADF demanded that “the US president retract his comments and apologise not only to all Africans but to all people of African descent around the globe.”

The ADF further stated that Trump’s description of the African continent and the other countries was not only “indicative of Trump’s unbecoming conduct as an international leader, but also as an insight into his racist, xenophobic and provocative behaviour that was obviously aimed at sparking global conflict.”

“While commending the efforts of African countries like South Africa, Senegal, Botswana, who have swiftly responded by demanding an explanation from their American embassy or condemning Trump’s comments, we would also like to urge all other African countries who host US embassies to do same,” read the press release.

“It is so disheartening and shocking to note that at a time when the world should be moving towards total civilisation driven by racial, religious and cross-national tolerance and respect for one another, we still find a leader with an archaic mind and outdated philosophy by hate that is obviously built on stereotypes.

“It is unfortunate that since he assumed power, Trump has lived up to his pre-election image of a selfish and hate-driven man with a potential to not only isolate America from the rest of the world, but also a penchant to spark unnecessary outrage that is likely to change the world order.

“President Trump has ticked all the wrong boxes since the beginning of his current term, proving to the world at large what a sorry excuse for a president he is,” said the ADF as it pulled no punches.

“What makes him even worse as a tragedy waiting to happen is his status in charge of one of the most powerful nations on earth.”

“An ignorant, hate-filled person of Trump’s calibre in charge of both economic and military arsenal is a ticking time bomb that needs to be diffused, although playing to his gallery would lead to a serious world war with dire consequences.”

The ADF then went on to acknowledge that while the behaviour of some African heads of states left a lot to be desired, Trump’s wide-sweeping generalisation needed to be taken to task.

“Whilst we do not deny that some African heads of states’ medieval leadership qualities have further enslaved rather than freed their citizens from both political and economic bondage, Trump as American president should be the last person to denigrate African nations on a generalisation … his country is one of those responsible for creating and sponsoring some of the political conflicts on the continent, based on its neo-colonial interests.

“We therefore urge African nations to pressure USA embassies in their land to demand an apology from Trump, while also making it known that we recommend that Trump be regarded as a prohibited immigrant until such a time that he explains, withdraws or apologises for his misplaced comments.